Dear Supporters

On 21 May 2019 the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) announced a public call for evidence steered by a panel of key representatives from across family justice, to gather evidence on how the family courts protect children and parents in cases of domestic abuse and other serious offences.

This review falls well short of the calls for an independent public inquiry by Louise Haigh and 120 other MPs and there is real concern about the extent to which the voices of victims, survivors and their children are  going to be heard. Hear what Lou has to say on Victoria Derbyshire Show yesterday via her twitter feed:

https://twitter.com/LouHaigh/status/1142045118020620288

The inaugural panel meeting took place on Friday 14 June 2019, marking the start for the three-month call for evidence. The panel members represent key organisations from across family justice including the Judiciary, academia, social care, policy officials and third sector organisations which represent and advocate for victims of domestic abuse, (click through the link for full details).

The call for evidence will specifically focus on the application of Practice Direction 12J, Practice Direction 3AA, The Family Procedure Rules Part 3A, and s.91(14) orders, and will build a more detailed understanding of any harm caused during or following proceedings in the family court.

We are looking at ways to get the your voices heard by the panel and we will update you as soon as we have any further information.

We are pleased that the petition now has over 200 thousand signatures and 3 thousand comments and we extend a huge welcome and our gratitude to all our new supporters.

Please keep sharing this petition and help us by raising awareness for the urgent need for reform of the family courts.

Much love,

Rachel Williams & Teresa Whittaker